Few of us question what we wrap around our bodies to chase away the November chill; as long as it’s not fur it’s okay, right? How much harm can a cozy coat do? You’d be surprised at the ecological implications of a single jacket. Earth conscious fashionistas look for green fashions from pants to underpants, but often forget the environmental woes in the coat closet.

Gore-tex is a trendy fabric choice for outerwear. Whether you’re ice climbing in the Andes, flying down a ski hill, or trying to stay dry in rain, snow or sleet, you’re probably well acquainted with this revolutionary high-tech fabric. But Gore-tex is basically Teflon with tiny micropores added. Teflon is made with the extremely persistent and known carcinogenic chemical PFOA, which now thoroughly contaminates air, water, wildlife and even our bloodstreams. Eww, right? While you’re probably not releasing as many toxins as that non-stick pan you threw out years ago (you did, right?), the production of Gore-Tex fabrics cause enough ecological damage for the both of you. It’s hard to think of Gore-Tex in a line of green fashions.

Your next option on the coat rack is that puffy, warm down jacket that is very much in style this season. Yes, down filled coats are warm and wonderful in snowstorms, but they come with a heavy animal welfare quandary. Down is often found as a leftover product of poultry production, or pulled from live birds, causing them some pretty horrible stress. If you would rather use synthetics to show support for the birds, look for manmade polyfill or Primaloft.

If you need an especially warm coat for outdoor sports, Patagonia has designed its own eco-conscious polyester type of Gore-Tex, made from used soda bottles, unusable fabrics, and worn out garments. Some of its base layers and fleece gear are even recyclable through the company’s Common Threads Garment Recycling Program (patagonia.com). Another option for green fashions can be found at Hemp HoodLamb. They make a hooded, all weather coat from hemp, organic fabrics, and a smooth “”faux lamb fur”" liner and cool features including inside pockets for your technology gadgets (hoodlamb.com).

One of the warmest and most classic fabrics for staying warm and in fashion has always been wool. Organic wool can be more expensive than conventional types, but it’s worth it when you consider that the sheep having been dipped in toxic pesticides to kill off lice. Smart Wool sells activewear from organic sheep (smartwool.com).

Organic wool is still fairly hard to find, but Patagonia uses the sustainable fabric in its sweaters and cardigans. Stewart-Brown makes luxury sweaters and knitwear from free-range Merino wool, as well as other green fibers (stewartbrown.com). Also consider purchasing vintage wool coats from consignment shops and second hand stores. Wool ages beautifully when well cared for, and what makes you think of green fashions more than than recycling and reusing?

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